John Travolta’s role as Edna Turnblad in the 2007 musical comedyHairspraywas one of the biggest highlights of the film, but it only happened thanks to a behind-the-scenes agreement during the casting process. It was obvious that Edna had to be a drag performer afterDivine played the role in the original 1988 film. Although John Travolta turned out to be the perfect casting choice, the legendary performer only agreed to the project on the proviso that another actor was also involved.
Hairspraystarred an ensemble castfrom musical backgrounds, such asHigh School Musicalstar Zac Efron andChicagoactor Queen Latifah. It’s no secret that one of John Travolta’s biggest film roles was as Danny Zuko inGrease.However, it’s lesser known that Michelle Pfeiffer was the leading star ofGrease 2, playing the role of Stephanie Zinone. When he was offered the role of Edna Turnblad,John Travolta specifically requested for Michelle Pfeiffer to be in the film, meaning that the movie became an inadvertent tribute to theGreasefranchise.
John Travolta Only Agreed To Appear In Hairspray If Michelle Pfeiffer Was Cast Too
The Inclusion Of Both Actors Payed Homage To TheGreaseFranchise
When signing on to doHairspray, Travolta made several demands. According to a contemporary interview with theNew York Times, he “wanted assurances that the Broadway score would not be ruined in translation, as so often happens, and that he would not be the only big star on the bill.” To this end, producers not only cast Christopher Walken in a central role, but also (crucially) Michelle Pfeiffer.
Where To Watch Hairspray (2007) Online
Here’s where to watch Hairspray (2007), the movie based on the Broadway musical and starring Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Travolta and Pfeiffer’sHairspraycasting was in stark contrast toGrease. While Danny and Stephanie played somewhat similar roles, inHairspray, their characters were polar opposites. Travolta’s Edna Turnblad is a caring and overly protective mother. conversely, Pfeiffer’s Velma Von Tussle is a career-obsessed woman who cares only about exploiting her daughter on TV for ratings. The two characters would bump heads a lot in the movie, with Velma feeling threatened by Tracy, Edna’s daughter’s popularity.This made for some comedic, over-the-top scenesthat allowed the two actors to play completely different musical roles.
John Travolta’s Condition For Joining Hairspray Made The Movie Way Better
Their Rivalry Was One Of The Best Parts Of The Movie
Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance of Velma inHairspraywas amazing, andthe dynamic between Velma and Edna was comedy gold.One of the best moments in the film is during the song “Big, Blonde and Beautiful (Reprise), where Edna and Velma are at odds over Edna’s husband, but Edna doesn’t know that. The song was written especially for the movie and it worked well for the comedic style of both characters.
The rivalry between the two characters ends at the end of the film, where Edna publicly outs Velma’s cheating at the Miss Hairspray awards, ending her career. There’s no doubt that the feud benefited from Travolta and Pfeiffer’s chemistry and diametrically opposing roles – something few could have predicted whenHairspray’s cast was announced.
Hairspray
Cast
Hairspray is a musical comedy film directed by Adam Shankman, based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Set in 1960s Baltimore, it follows teenager Tracy Turnblad, played by Nikki Blonsky, who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show. Featuring performances by John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Zac Efron, the film explores themes of racial integration and body positivity.
